Missouri Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of Missouri Scholarships & Grants

Missouri offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Missouri more affordable.

Access Missouri Grant and the A+ Scholarship (for eligible high schools/colleges) stand out.

How to Get a Grant for College in Missouri?

To secure a grant for college in Missouri, follow these steps:

• Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is required for most state and federal grants. Submit it early for maximum eligibility.
• Apply for State-Specific Grants: Programs like the Access Missouri Grant and A+ Scholarship Program are available for residents.
• Explore Institutional and Local Scholarships: Many Missouri colleges and organizations offer additional funding opportunities.

Visit the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) website for more information.

What Is the Access Missouri Grant?

The Access Missouri Grant provides need-based financial aid to Missouri residents attending eligible colleges and universities. Key eligibility requirements include:

• Being a Missouri resident.
• Completing the FAFSA and demonstrating financial need.
• Enrolling at least half-time in an undergraduate degree program.

Awards range from $300 to $2,850 annually, depending on the type of institution and financial need.

What Is the A+ Scholarship Program?

The A+ Scholarship Program provides financial assistance for Missouri high school graduates who attend a participating community college or technical school. Eligibility includes:

• Graduating from an A+ designated high school with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Completing at least 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring.
• Maintaining at least a 95% attendance record in high school.
• Scoring proficient or advanced on the Algebra I end-of-course exam.

The scholarship covers tuition and fees for up to two years.

Does Missouri Offer Full-Ride Scholarships?

Yes, Missouri offers several full-ride scholarships. Examples include:

• University of Missouri (Mizzou) Stamps Scholarship: A prestigious full-ride scholarship for high-achieving students.
• Truman State University President’s Honorary Scholarship: Covers full tuition and additional benefits for exceptional students.

These scholarships are highly competitive and often require strong academics, leadership, and extracurricular involvement.

Scholarships in Missouri for High School Seniors

High school seniors in Missouri can apply for scholarships such as:

• Bright Flight Scholarship: A merit-based program for students scoring in the top 3% on the ACT or SAT.
• Missouri Scholars 100 Program: Awards for top-performing high school seniors across the state.
• Community Foundation Scholarships: Local organizations in Missouri offer various scholarships for graduating seniors.

Consult your high school counselor to learn about additional opportunities in your area.

Scholarships in Missouri for Adults

Adults returning to college in Missouri can explore programs like:

• Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant: Provides funding for adults pursuing degrees or certificates in high-demand fields.
• Missouri Returning Heroes Act: Offers tuition discounts for combat veterans attending public colleges in Missouri.

These programs are designed to help non-traditional students advance their education and careers.

University of Missouri (Mizzou) Scholarships

The University of Missouri offers several scholarships for incoming and current students, including:

• Stamps Scholarship: A full-ride scholarship for high-achieving students with leadership potential.
• Excellence Award: Merit-based funding for incoming freshmen.
• Diversity Scholarships: Awards for students from underrepresented groups.

Visit Mizzou’s financial aid portal for deadlines and application details.

Missouri State University (MSU) Scholarships

Missouri State University offers scholarships such as:

• Board of Governors Scholarship: A merit-based scholarship covering full tuition for top-performing students.
• Inclusive Excellence Leadership Scholarship: Awards for students with leadership potential who promote diversity and inclusion.
• Need-Based Scholarships: Financial aid for students demonstrating financial need through FAFSA.

Explore MSU’s scholarship website for more information on eligibility and application details.

What Is the Bright Flight Scholarship?

The Bright Flight Scholarship is a merit-based program for Missouri residents who score in the top 3% on the ACT or SAT. Key details include:

• Being a Missouri resident.
• Achieving the required ACT or SAT score.
• Enrolling full-time at an eligible Missouri college or university.

The scholarship provides up to $3,000 per academic year.

Grants for College in Missouri

Missouri offers several grants to support college students, including:

• Access Missouri Grant: Need-based aid for residents attending eligible institutions.
• Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant: Funding for adults pursuing education in high-demand fields.
• Federal Pell Grant: A federal grant for students with significant financial need.

These grants help ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent students from accessing higher education.

How to Apply for Missouri Scholarships and Grants

To apply for scholarships and grants in Missouri:

• Complete the FAFSA: This is required for most state and federal financial aid programs.
• Explore State Programs: Research opportunities like the A+ Scholarship, Access Missouri Grant, and Bright Flight Scholarship.
• Contact Your Institution: Reach out to your college’s financial aid office for additional scholarships and grants.